Court rules in favour of Ashton South East Open Cut Coal Mine Expansion

The Ashton South East open cut coal mine expansion is one step closer to going ahead after the NSW Land and Environment Court rejected an appeal made by a community group yesterday.

The Court ruled that the Ashton South East Open Cut Project is capable of approval subject to the resolution of conditions. The ruling was made contrary to the advice provided by the Department of Health and the NSW Office of Water, who oppose the expansion.

However the project still has a long way to go with a local dairy farmer, whose farm sits on 60% of the coal reserves, saying she steadfastly refuses to sell.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, 80 year old,Wendy Bowman, said local residents would continue to fight the expansion.

“Yancoal has not beaten us. We will continue to fight the mine knowing that we’re doing the right thing by our community and by the future generations,” said Ms Bowman.

“My family has been in this valley for six generations,” Ms Bowman said in a statement. “I have already had to move twice for mines, but this time I will stay and defend my land, our water and local heritage.”

However, Stephen Galilee, CEO of the NSW Minerals Council was very welcoming of the news.

“The project will create up to 160 new jobs, as well as new work for the many contractors required to help start the development.  These jobs are much-needed at a time when thousands of local jobs have been lost in the region over the last two years.”

“Around 2000 direct mining jobs have already been lost in the Hunter over the last two years, taking a heavy toll on local towns throughout the Valley.  Projects like this are needed to sustain the local economy over the longer term,”  Mr Galilee said.

“The project will create up to 160 new jobs, as well as new work for the many contractors required to help start the development.  These jobs are much-needed at a time when thousands of local jobs have been lost in the region over the last two years,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said today.

“The potential economic stimulus generated by these jobs will also provide a welcome boost to the region’s economy.”

“Around 2000 direct mining jobs have already been lost in the Hunter over the last two years, taking a heavy toll on local towns throughout the Valley.  Projects like this are needed to sustain the local economy over the longer term,”  Mr Galilee said.